It was great to meet you, Ernesto, last Saturday. I really like the questions as they are related to the pursuit of happiness.
- Very often we don’t need to convince anyone, just planting a seed of a better fulfilled life in their minds is a good start. Simply asking questions of what kind of life do they want for themselves? And sharing positive stories that may inspire them to make changes. Another catalyst is suffering (misery/misfortune/pain), that is so unbearable that a person will not be able to go on like that forever, they are forced to make changes.
- Big change doesn’t happen overnight, it grows little by little through our thoughts, little attempts, learning about others. A mentor/social support is very important to help someone make up their mind and go forward with major changes.
- Consistent behavior is not easy to sustain, but what keeps it going is understanding benefits and costs of doing the opposite. Also getting fulfillment from what you are doing and knowing that you live according to your values and beliefs is what gives people inner peace. The more people are challenged to answer if they are content with their lives and their behavior, the more they will challenge themselves and eventually come to important decisions.